What sets the Toyota Camry Hybrid apart from every other car in the vicinity of its segment is the power train. Camry operates on Toyota’s popular “Hybrid Synergy Drive” technology which utilizes electric motor in combination of a traditional petrol motor (depending upon requirement) to turn the wheels in motion. The Petrol engine is a four cylinder, 2494 CC, 16 valve DOHC that churns out 160 PS @ 5700 RPM (total 205 PS with Hybrid) and 213 Nm torque @ 4500 RPM, coupled with electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). Just tap the “Power” button and it’s next to impossible to tell from the interiors whether the car has actually turned on or not. Press the accelerator gently to sense and that very moment you begin to realize that this piece of machine is no ordinary.
Shift the transmission to “Drive” mode and Camry will never fail to mesmerize its occupants with absolute tranquility. This happens because of the fact that upon starting and low-speed driving, it’s driven solely by the electric motor. This electric motor automatically charges when engine is idle except when the car is in neutral. On normal speeds, petrol engine is predominantly used but ECU monitors driving condition and intelligently controls electric motor as well as petrol motor power output in an effort to maintain optimum fuel efficiency. But if you believe that Camry Hybrid is only for the chauffeur driven folks, it’s time for a second thought. All you have to do is hit hard on the gas pedal and you'll be taken aback by a seat hugging experience. The acceleration is not necessarily instant but when it does, the thrust is so addictive in “power” range that it’ll leave the enthusiasts yearning for more.
And the best part is you won’t have to worry too much about fuel economy either which is best in segment (19.16 Kmpl ARAI claimed). During peak acceleration, battery supplies electricity to drive the motor, thereby further enhancing the power output. However, while driving downward on slopes or braking, the motor is activated as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electricity and thus, charges the battery. This process is known as regenerative braking. On the other hand, when idle (such as on traffic signals), the engine cuts off to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions which is 122.8 gm of CO2 per kilometer. BTW the EV icon on instrument cluster lights up every time the car is running on electric motor only. There’s also a built-in emergency shut-off system as a useful safety precaution that immediately cuts off the high voltage current and fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage.
Instead of a conventional tachometer, Camry Hybrid has a “Hybrid System” indicator which functions in a similar fashion as a tachometer. It’s marked by zones. i.e: Charge (when regenerative charging is active), Hybrid Eco (when the petrol motor isn’t being used often), Eco (when the car is driven in an eco-friendly manner) and Power (high-range to tap maximum power). In total, there are three driving modes to enjoy varied performance of Camry Hybrid: EV Mode, Eco Mode and Eco Mode Off. In EV mode, the car sedately runs on the electric motor alone. It’s ideal to use when driving at average speeds in residential areas or parking lots without worrying about noise and gas emissions. This mode cannot be activated if the temperature of hybrid system is too hot / cold or right after the car was left in sun, driven at high speed or on a hill. Possible driving distance of EV mode ranges anywhere from a few hundred meters to 2 Kms. It cancels when driven at high speed.
Eco mode, on the flip side, uses a combination of electric motor and petrol engine to deliver pleasing fuel efficiency figures. Therefore, it makes sense to drive Camry in this mode for the maximum possible time. When switched off, Camry delightfully transforms itself into a meaner avatar with amazing torque delivery and drivability. The occupants will evidently find ride quality on the stiffer side (thanks to additional battery weight) but that said; it does capably runs over all sorts of potholes assisting which is a decent 160 mm ground clearance. Handling is reasonably good for a car of this size with extremely well-controlled high speed body roll. You’ll find steering wheel feather-light when idle and it perfectly weighs up as the speed sours. Overall braking is crisp and confidence inspiring, supported by all-four disc brakes as well as regenerative braking function along with ABS + EBD as standard.
Toyota has thrown oodles of safety features that make Camry Hybrid an absolutely complete package. Some of the major ones include: 7 airbags (front two, front side, curtain, driver knee), ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist, Electronically Controlled Braking system, impact sensing fuel cut-off etc. Hybrid and EV sector in India is still in its baby shoes but going by the willingness of such automakers and rapid advancement coupled with cooperation from local government is greatly helping to make such technologies affordable. Toyota Camry Hybrid enjoys the benefit of Rs.70,000 rebate under the FAME-India scheme, as a result, bringing its price to Rs.36 Lakh (on-road, Delhi). Obviously it’s still not inexpensive and a fat three lakh rupees costlier than the Petrol-only counterpart. Strictly speaking, if a full sized luxury saloon is what you’re looking for regardless of the snob-value; Camry Hybrid is a sensible long-term investment.
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